The final sign-off for scheme for a scheme 67 affordable homes in a Pembrokeshire village has been granted by council planning officers.

In an application given officer delegated powers of approval at the February meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Ateb Group Limited sought permission for a “100 per cent affordable” residential development of 57 houses and 10 bungalows, and associated works, at land off The Kilns, Llangwm, the site already having permission for 54 homes.

An officer report, recommending approval, said a social housing grant has been secured for the first phase of the proposed development, for 25 dwellings, with the mix of the second phase indicative at this stage.

Llangwm Community Council had raised issues including sewerage system capacity, a lack of facilities in the village and at nearby Cleddau Reach School for the size of the development, and potential traffic congestion.

18 letters of concern, including from Cleddau Reach VC school were also received, raising issues including traffic and parking, a loss of privacy, the scale and design of the development, the scheme representing a “fundamental change in the character of the village,” being “in excess of the need for affordable housing in Llangwm and nearby villages,” and “likely anti-social behaviour associated with the development,”.

Concerns also raised on the impact the development would have on water quality from the increased foul water draining demands of the scheme.

Delegated approval to the council’s head of planning was granted, subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement which includes financial contributions to mitigate the impact of development on local schools Cleddau Reach VC and Haverfordwest High VC.

The application had previously been considered at the January meeting, where any decision was deferred, pending a site visit, the scheme returning to the February meeting.

Local member Cllr Michael John had expressed concerns at the size and location of the proposal, saying he could not support the scheme in its current format, calling on Ateb to withdraw it.

Following the February delegated approval, a S106 agreement has now been reached, full conditional approval including an agreed £10,000 contribution towards bus stop provision.